Today’s fit mommy is Tina, who blogs over at Faith Fitness Fun. Tina is a busy mom of two who blogs about the 3 basic components of true health.
Please read on for more about Tina and why she is definitely “One Fit Mommy”!
Q: Have you always been fit? What inspired you to live a fit lifestyle?
I have always been athletic. I cheered and did gymnastics for 14 years and always loved doing active things with friends, such as hikes. I would not say I was always fit. I didn’t eat nutritiously, battled binge eating and depression, and certainly did not have a healthy relationship with my body. After high school, I spent two years without exercise and it showed. It wasn’t until the last 7 or 8 years that I truly became “fit”.
Q: What advice do you have for moms who claim they don’t have time for exercise?
You NEED that time. Exercise will revitalize you. I promise it provides you with extra energy! It allows you a break to have time solely for yourself – to reflect and feel empowered. You don’t need to devote an hour or more to reap these benefits. Simply 20 or 30 minutes can do so much. Every little bit adds up. Find an option that will work for you and just do it. A workout DVD. A walk/jog with a friend. A group fitness class. Some yoga in the morning. Anything!
Q: How have your workouts changed since having kids?
Recognizing how valuable that “me” time is has actually made me more consistent with workouts. I look forward to my time at the gym or in our basement with a cardio DVD. Getting that time to myself motivates me more than ever. Besides the extra consistency, my workouts have changed to where I workout smarter. I keep more balance in my routine and try to use as much intensity as possible to get all that I can out of my precious, limited time. I go in with a purpose and get the job done!
Q: Are you more of a cardio mommy or strength training mommy?
Well, my two passions are running and weight lifting. Don’t ask me to choose! My first love was strength training. I have worked out with weights since the beginning of my fitness ventures. I even went on to compete in a fitness competition a year after giving birth to my daughter. Then, after having my son in January of this year (in an ice storm no less), I picked up the Couch to 5K program and fell in love with running. I now am training for my first half marathon in November. I thrive with both of these styles of training because they each provide such a personal challenge. I love to set and achieve fitness related goals, like a faster pace or unassisted pull-ups. In short, I equally love both.
Q: What is your least favorite exercise?
Hmmmm….I guess I would have to say Zumba. I was not made to shake my tailfeather.
Q: Do you have any mental tricks that you use when you just don’t feel like working out?
I always remind myself how I will feel after I finish. I will also make compromises. I will tell myself to just do 20 minutes instead of 30 minutes of my planned cardio. Or 2 sets instead of 3 sets of my strength training. That helps relieve some of the stress, but I usually end up feeling so good I complete my workout fully. However, if I’m really not feeling it, I don’t stress taking a mental rest day – just as long as it’s not a regular occurrence.
I would love for you to stop by my blog, Faith Fitness Fun. I can assure you I share openly and honestly on all things. From post-baby progress and body image to motherhood and keeping positive to workout ideas and recipes. Hope to see you there!